Types of Home Air Conditioner Filters

Replacement of air conditioning filters should be done once every two to three months. It can also depend on the frequency of use and the amount of dirt that has settled in the filter. The filter ensures that the air you inhale is free of pollutants. Furthermore, the dirty filter results in additional power consumption and faster depreciation of your air conditioning unit.

Common Types of AC Filters

Homeowners can choose from different kinds of filtration systems. You can look at the capabilities of these air conditioning air filters to determine the best system for your needs. The mechanical air filter is normally for home use. It utilizes artificial strands or threadlike materials to siphon miniscule particles such as dust to prevent these from getting mixed with air and circulating inside the house. There are also charcoal filters that make use of mechanical methods to eliminate fragments in the air. The disposable traditional air filter has thickness of one and two inches respectively. This is the cheapest mechanical model but the bonding agent which makes up the covering and net can easily be spoiled by cleaning.

Pleated filters are said to be capable of eradicating a large percentage of airborne impurities in your home. The crimped fibers facilitate effective filtration of up to 40 percent of unsafe fragments in the air. These cost more than the ordinary type and needs to be changed every three months. On the other hand, panel fiberglass filters are also cheap and can only deal with bigger particles. The negative effect of this variety is that the fiberglass substance can be harmful to the respiratory system of people. Certain entities had cautioned consumers against the use of this filter due to the health risks involved.

Electrostatic air conditioner filters are considered effective in dealing with various forms of waste. It functions by employing static forms of energy to suck in waste particles from the air. These can also prevent odors coming from smoke, pets, mildew and molds. Electrostatic filters come in various sizes for different levels of filtration and can last up to six months. It also helps in stopping the growth of bacteria and can remove 90 percent of waste materials that circulate in the air. There are permanent mesh filters crafted from different types of material which makes the effectiveness vary. These materials are washable and need to be sprayed with adhesive to catch dust and other forms of grime. These are prone to deterioration as well and are to be replaced when needed.

The HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters can be the most effective filtration systems. It can do away with 99.97% of particles which have a diameter of roughly 0.3 micrometers. This is smaller than the thickness of human hair. The fibers have been arranged randomly and contain creases or pleats that are capable of increasing the surface area. Thus, it makes a very effective filtering method. Aside from residences, these filters are also used in hospital operating rooms, industrial facilities and portable vacuum cleaners.